Opinions & Interviews

EAEU criticized for lack of declared freedoms

MINSK, 27 February (BelTA) – There is a lack of declared freedoms in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) Mikhail Myasnikovich in Minsk on 27 February, BelTA learned

“The freedoms that we once declared are almost non-existent today. Or they have not been implemented in the full volume, let’s put it softly. We once declared the free movement of goods, services, labor and capital. This is the foundation of our union. We still don't have that. You know why? Because of a couldn't-care-less attitude based on some indifference of individual states. Others see themselves in another union, and are just biding time in the EAEU waiting for some convenient moment to jump out of it. Or with no reason in mind: they continue biding time,” the Belarusian leader said.

“Therefore, at least these classic uniform principles must be implemented. This is not the way how things are now," he said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko said that currently the EAEU has 14 exemptions, 37 restrictions and 15 barriers. “They should have been removed a long time ago. Otherwise, there will be no interest in this union. Why do we need to be part of the union when there are obstacles, barriers and exemptions around us,” the head of state asked.

He stressed that the union is being built in order to create a level playing field for companies, businesses and people. “But since we started developing the union began, we have increasingly departed from these level playing field. Moreover, we see odd requirements, coercion, monopolism,” Belarus president noted.

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